4 Healthy Late-Night Snacks You Won't Feel Guilty About

Some think late-night snacking is a big no-no! But we’re all for it. There are many foods that aren’t bad for you before bed, and some that can even help you sleep better.

On the other hand, certain foods can have an adverse impact on your weight, reduce sleep quality, and cause symptoms of indigestion and heartburn that directly impact the sleep cycle.

Inevitably, everyone reaches for a late-night snack from time to time. Instead of guessing the right foods to eat before bed, get informed about the do’s and don'ts of pre-bedtime eating.

Below you’ll find information about why eating the right foods will help you sleep better and a list of some of the best healthy late-night snacks that will satisfy your cravings. 

How Food & Sleep Are Connected

There are two really interesting things about what we eat and how we sleep. Firstly, bad food (especially before bed) negatively impacts the sleep cycle and digestive system. Secondly, sleep deprivation increases cravings for bad food.

So if you aren’t sleeping well, your body will want unhealthy food, and unhealthy food will constantly contribute to a poor sleep cycle. It’s a vicious cycle, but with a little attention, you can put an end to it and head in the direction of the best sleep of your life.

When people talk about health, the key topics are always diet and exercise. Sleep is often the last consideration, but new research indicates it should be the first. Recent research suggests that the circadian rhythm (also referred to as the body clock) can actually be influenced by your diet, going so far as to affect weight loss, heart health, and even improve your focus.

Food and sleep are more closely connected than what most people realize. Numerous studies into the link between digestive function and the sleep cycle have revealed the link between these two seemingly distinct systems, and making sure to get plenty of healthy foods in your diet can really help with better rest.

Best Late-Night Snacks

When you’re craving a midnight treat, it’s best to reach for some healthy late-night snacks that can positively contribute to a good night’s sleep. Here are some of our personal favorites:

1. Hummus with veggies or crackers. The chickpeas in hummus are full of protein, which makes it a filling and nutritious way to satisfy your hunger late into the night. A full stomach is a happy stomach, and a happy stomach leads to a great night’s sleep.

2. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Peanut butter is a great natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that can induce sleepiness. The carbohydrates in this classic childhood treat make the tryptophan quicker for the brain to access, making this an easy and delicious way to get better sleep.

3. Cooked edamame with sea salt. If you’re on the lookout for something that’s filling and nutrient-dense, then edamame is the way to go. Not only is edamame a naturally protein-rich snack, they also have compounds known as soy isoflavones present in them, which have been shown to naturally increase the duration of sleep.

4. Low-fat Greek yogurt with fruit. The calcium present in yogurt has been found by recent studies to link to better sleep. Paired with naturally sweet fruit like peaches or berries, this is a popular healthy late-night snack because it is truly delicious, and makes the transition to sleep just a little bit easier. 

If you’re craving something delicious and filling before going to bed, these healthy late-night snacks are the best short-cut to getting a great night’s sleep.

That being said, remember it takes more than a healthy late-night snack to get better sleep. Make sure you have a proper sleep routine, are maintaining healthy sleep hygiene habits, and investing in the best mattress for your comfort are all going to do wonders to the quality of your rest.

So munch away guilt-free, and sleep easy at night knowing you’ve made the healthy choice!